Lesson 3 - Consolidating Defending Skills
Advanced Competitive Tactics
•Year 6
•Hockey
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How can we work together as a team to prevent our opponents from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To understand that defending begins immediately when possession is lost
- To refine knowledge of defending techniques including marking, tackling and blocking
- To apply defending strategies effectively during game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate secure understanding of when and how to defend
- Students will apply marking, tackling and blocking techniques appropriately
- Students will work effectively as a defensive unit to prevent scoring opportunities
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage before lesson begins
Alternative: Unihoc sticks for indoor use
Keep spare balls around pitch perimeter
Alternative: Tennis balls for reduced bounce indoors
Use bright colours for clear boundary definition
Alternative: Chalk lines on hard courts
Distribute before teams are selected to save time
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Secure goals properly to prevent movement during play
Alternative: Marker cones 2m apart
Key Vocabulary
A defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to mark a specific attacker, following their movements closely
Positioning yourself between your opponent and the goal to cut off direct attacking routes
Legally challenging an opponent to regain possession of the ball using the hockey stick
Using your stick or body position to prevent a pass from reaching its intended target
Reading the play to position yourself to catch or deflect opposition passes
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick handling and control
- Understanding of attacking principles
- Basic rules of hockey including safe play
Current Skills
- Man-to-man marking techniques
- Safe tackling and blocking methods
- Team defensive positioning and communication
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive formations and systems
- Counter-attacking from defensive positions
- Game management and time-wasting techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defending begins immediately when your team loses possession of the ball
- Goal-side positioning is crucial - always position yourself between opponent and goal
- Man-to-man marking requires constant communication and awareness of opponent movements
- Tackling should be timed when the ball is furthest from opponent's body for best chance of success
- Team defending is more effective than individual defending - work together as a unit
- Quick transition from attack to defence is essential for preventing opposition scoring opportunities
- Patience in defending often leads to better tackle opportunities than rushing into challenges
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think defending means always trying to win the ball immediately rather than positioning correctly first
- Many believe that staying close to the goal is always the best defensive position rather than marking opponents
- Students frequently assume that stronger tackles are more effective rather than well-timed tackles
- Students may think defending is only the responsibility of certain players rather than the whole team when possession is lost
- Common belief that chasing the ball is defending rather than maintaining defensive shape and position
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use frequent position changes, clear and simple defensive instructions, regular positive reinforcement for good defensive play
dyspraxia
- Break down defensive movements into smaller steps, use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time for techniques
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine for defensive positions, use visual cards showing defensive formations, allow processing time for tactical decisions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of defensive positioning, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for defensive instructions, written position cards for reference
physical disability
- Adapt marking to seated positions where appropriate, use modified equipment like shorter sticks, focus on tactical understanding
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating angles for defensive positioning, measuring distances for marking, timing and counting defensive actions
Science
Understanding forces involved in tackles and blocks, biomechanics of efficient defensive movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of zones and territories in defensive systems
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in defensive units, resilience when under attacking pressure, communication skills development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around outside playing area to observe all students, position at corners during games for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for defensive positioning, safe tackling technique, and effective team communication
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe play, support students struggling with defensive concepts, encourage positive defensive communication
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for defensive positioning, emphasise safety aspects of all techniques, involve students in demonstrations where possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Goal-side!' to remind about positioning
- •'Stick down!' for safe tackling technique
- •'Talk to your team!' to encourage communication
- •'Patient defending!' to prevent rushing into tackles
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 50m playing area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for hockey with no loose debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for splinters or damage before use
- •Ensure goals are stable and anchored securely
- •Verify balls are in good condition without cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick-to-body contact during tackles
- •Collisions between players when marking closely
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict stick-to-ball contact rule enforced consistently
- •Clear boundaries and zones to prevent overcrowding
- •Progressive skill building from low to high pressure situations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe tackle technique and prevent dangerous play
- •Monitor closely during transition phases when intensity increases
- •Maintain clear view of all students during full games
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately for any injury, assess calmly, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed